WHAT ARE NEONICOTINOIDS?

Nicotine is not just lethal to humans in the form of cigarettes, but the chemical is also extremely toxic to insects

Neonicotinoid pesticides are new nicotine-like chemicals and act on the nervous systems of insects with a lower threat to mammals and the environment than many older sprays

Pesticides made in this way are water soluble which means they are taken up by the whole plant - they are called "systemic", meaning they turn the plant itself into a poison factory with toxins coming from roots, leaves, stems and pollen

Neonicotinoids are often applied as seed treatments which means coating the seeds before planting.